Urgent action needed to tackle rise in road deaths – Ward

There needs to be an acceleration in the delivery of road safety measures, as the recent rise in road deaths shows there’s a need for a more urgent and focused response, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Barry Ward said: ““Ireland has made progress on road safety over the past two decades since the first Road Safety Strategy was published in 1998, and that is obviously something we should recognise.

“It is also welcome that the Government’s current Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 includes measures like expanded safety camera deployment, lower speed limits, and investment in infrastructure.

“However, we are seeing a tragic increase in fatalities on Irish roads in recent years, and we need to increase the pace of delivery. There is a comprehensive plan in place, but it is crucial that that plan does not continue to gather dust.

“People need to see these measures implemented. That is the only way they will have confidence that Government is acting to make our roads safer for everyone.”

Deputy Ward has submitted a series of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Transport on road safety, including queries on what action will be taken following the number of deaths on Irish roads in 2025, and whether sufficient deterrents exist to reduce speeding, mobile phone use and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Public awareness and education campaigns have an important role, but they must be matched by consistent enforcement and penalties for those who break the law”, continued Deputy Ward.

“I understand the Road Traffic Bill is also under development and that it will include graduated speeding penalties and the camera enforcement of mobile phone and seatbelt offences.

“But we need urgent action. The victims are young people, they are older people, and they can come from every community in Ireland. Many of us hear about these tragedies on the airwaves but closer to home, they shatter communities.

“We must build on the progress that is being made by accelerating implementation of the Road Safety Strategy. Putting an end to deaths on our roads must remain a priority at Government level”, concluded Deputy Ward.